icipe are hiring a Communications Assistant in Nairobi
(Ref. No. NRS/713/082026)
Established in 1970 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (www.icipe.org ) is distinct, being the only research organisation in Africa working primarily on insects and other arthropods. icipe is also the sole institution that combines research and development activities across plant health, human health, animal health, and environmental health. icipe generates world-class scientific knowledge and translates it into insect-based, nature-positive, One Health innovations that sustainably transform millions of livelihoods across Africa and beyond. Additionally, icipe nurtures Africa’s talent and leadership in insect science through the Centre’s long-standing programmes in doctoral and postdoctoral training, advancement of research and innovation in applied sciences, engineering, and technology, and the creation of a bioeconomy in Africa. The Centre has about 500 international and national staff, operations in more than 40 countries in Africa, and over 300 partnerships with diverse organisations across the world. For additional information, visit: (www.icipe.org).
Please also download icipe’s Vision and Strategy 2026-2030: https://www.icipe.org/content/icipe-vision-and-strategy-2026-2030
icipe seeks to recruit a Business Support Assistant II (Communications Assistant) within the Regional Multi-actor Research Network for Agroecology in East Africa (RMRN-EA) project. The position is tenable in Nairobi at the icipe Duduville campus. This is a two-year contract, renewable subject to continued position needs, funding for the position, and performance of the staff member. This is a nationally recruited position. A competitive compensation package will be offered to the right candidate. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Overall Purpose of the Job
To support the communication strategy for the project Regional Multi-actor Research Network for Agroecology in East Africa (RMRN-EA).
Specific duties
The successful candidate will undertake tasks that include but are not limited to the following:
Design and Development
- Designing brochures, flyers, posters, banners, advertisements (print and digital), and other promotional materials.
- Creating digital graphics/visuals for websites, social media platforms (posts, stories, etc, and online banners.
- Data visualisation and development of infographics to communicate scientific data into clear, simple, and engaging visual representations.
- Develop motion graphics for videos and digital displays for key stakeholder events.
Website Content Management and Updates
Facilitate stakeholder and partner engagement on web-based platforms including the Agroecology Transformative Partnership Platform and SharePoint.
Lead content upload and formatting, ensuring a consistent layout and readability.
Quality assurance by regular content review to ensure accuracy and relevance.
Posting news articles, press releases, event announcements, and project updates from various consortium partners.
Curating reports, publications, and case studies and ensuring ease of access.
Search engine optimisation to improve search visibility.
Social media integration to ensure website content is easily shareable on social media.
Perform basic analytics to determine website performance.
Photo and videography
- Event coverage to document consortium events including meetings, workshops, conferences, and public outreach activities.
- Field photography among project sites in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania to document project activities and capture beneficiary stories.
Requirements/ qualifications
- Diploma in graphic design, mass communication, journalism, or related field.
- At least one year of practical experience in communication within a research or development environment.
- Experience with digital content and social media analytics.
- Software proficiency in industry-standard design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects) to create, manipulate, and finalize designs.
- Excellent skills in content development and editorial skills.
- Excellent written and spoken command of English, and the ability to convey complex ideas in a creative, clear, direct, and lively style.
- Good command of Swahili.
Reporting
This position reports to the Project Coordinator.
